Kaycey Martindale, a fall 2015 graduate of the UAB Collat School of Business, has recently accepted a job offer with Ryerson, Inc., a leading metals manufacturer and distributor in North America. Out of 1,800 nationwide applicants, Martindale was one of 15 chosen for employment with Ryerson. His degree in Industrial Distribution, he says, is what helped him stand apart from the other applicants.

The Charles and Patsy Collat Industrial Distribution (ID) program, housed in the UAB Collat School of Business, is a cutting-edge program that pairs engineering and business, preparing graduates for success in industrial firms. Led by Ben S. Weil Chair Professor Thomas DeCarlo, the program is the only one of its kind in the region and one of a small number in the world. ID students receive multiple opportunities to interview through the active support of our industry partners, leading to exceptional career trajectories for graduates.

Martindale transferred to UAB after pursuing a degree in management at Alabama State University. He enjoyed his engineering classes at Alabama State and wanted to pursue engineering at UAB. However he didn’t want to drop his management focus, so he spoke with Kristen Craig, Industrial Distribution advisor, and he was directed to the Industrial Distribution program. There he could marry his interests in engineering and business while receiving a well-rounded, world-class education.

He credits his success to the one-on-one connections he had with his instructors and mentors. “They really understood my strengths and weaknesses and worked with me to get me on the right path,” he says. “The program was challenging but worth it. Kristen gave me great advice and made me feel like this is what I was meant to do.”

Martindale will train with Ryerson for six months in Minnesota before beginning his career in sales with the company. He says that the ID program and instructors helped him gain the competitive edge to ensure success in his future career.